Homemade Pickles: The Fastest/Tastiest You’ve Ever Tried

January 27th 2010

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Until I made these ‘refrigerator’ pickles, I frankly thought that pickling was for crazies. I mean, let’s be real–I’m a little food-crazy myself (I did just purchase a yogurt-making machine–yet to arrive, really excited), but pickling, that just seemed like the equivalent of building my own bike. There are people who do it, and do it well, and there seemed to be no reason why I shouldn’t just purchase it in a store.

But these pickles just called to me. I bookmarked them this summer after I read about them on Lottie + Doof. I kept looking at the recipe thinking one day, I’d have the courage (and the appropriate glass jar) to make them. And finally, I did. And can I tell you, I had NO idea what I was missing all of these years. Of course, I definitely bought a 2-quart glass jar at Bed, Bath and Beyond for my pickling endeavors, and thought that there was no way we’d ever eat all those pickles. But what do you know–they disappeared in a week. And that’s just between the two of us. We had them as a pre-dinner snack, an hors d’oeuvre, a side dish and a condiment. They were just that good.

In fact, I enjoyed these pickles so much that I’ve now made them four times. I even returned to Bed Bath and Beyond, purchased another 2-quart glass jar, made a batch and gave them to my dad on his birthday. My 80+ year old grandfather, the pickiest eater of our family, informed me that these pickles reminded him of his youth. These pickles have been in high demand, and that big ‘ol glass jar is certainly seeing a lot more love than I initially expected. In fact, it now has some smaller friends, ready for some jam in the summer (can I really be that ambitious?) I think I can, friends. I think I can. And so can you!

1. Pack the cucumber slices, jalapeno halves and dill springs into a clean, 2-quart glass jar.
2. In a container with a tight-seal lid, combine the salt, sugar, vinegar, coriander and garlic halves. Seal the top and shake vigorously until the salt and sugar dissolve.
3. Add 2 cups of water to the mixture and pour the brine over the vegetables. Add more water to the jar to fully cover the vegetables and seal tightly. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before eating. Store in the refrigerator for up to one month.

Musical Pairings: Woods – Songs of Shame + Spicy Pickles

The pickles Kasey posted over on eating/sf have proven to be hugely popular with pretty much everyone who has tried them. Without question, the recipe is a homemade masterpiece. Seriously, these pickles are spicy, full of flavor, and crisp. Because I wanted something crisp, spicy and homey, today’s pairing is the Brooklyn-based band Woods‘ fourth full-length Songs of Shame released by the ever-awesome Woodsist label back in April of last year. Songs of Shame is a homespun master blend of lo-fi, psychedelica, pop and folk-rock that you’ll want to play over and over until to you wear the grooves on your LP thin. For more, head over to Musical Pairings @eating/sf. –Matthew

Kasey is the food editor and co-founder of Turntable Kitchen. She loves dark chocolate, warm crusty bread, and traveling to new places. She speaks Russian, but does not like vodka.

http://hecooksshecooks.net Brittany (He Cooks She Cooks)

Not much of a pickle fan myself, but yogurt machine? I'm intrigued!

http://www.dulanotes.com Nicole

Yum, my pickle fanatic husband would love these. I made preserves for the first time last summer and it was easy and infinitely better tasting than non-homemade. I've never done the "full" canning process, but since Ball jars are cheap and it keeps in the fridge for a while it gets eaten!

http://www.blogger.com/profile/05641448576726538534 Kasey

Brittany: yes! I recently read about homemade yogurt and decided to give it a go. I'm sure I'll be posting about my adventures. It's in the mail!Nicole: I've still a little scared of the 'full' canning process, but these pickles have made me think those picklers/canners are onto something. Let me know if you try these!

http://www.thehipsterho.me April

I'll admit that I've never really wanted to make pickles before reading this recipe. I think I'll give anything with jalapenos a shot! Excellent music pairing too. I love me some Woods.

http://prettygreengirl.com Janet

Yum, I am going to have to try these!And I'll be curious to see how your adventures in homemade yogurt go! I have a yogurt machine, but for some reason, mine always turns out lumpy. Hoping yours turns out better so I can steal your recipe!

http://NatalieFleishernoreply@blogger.com Natalie Fleisher

I am so excited that you got this recipe up! This simple dish has added a whole bunch of fans of eating-sf.com among our family and friends! And the jar photo is fantastic!

http://www.blogger.com/profile/05641448576726538534 Kasey

April: I'm so glad you're inspired! It's super easy–trust me. And glad you enjoyed the pairing, too.Janet: which brand do you have?? I'll hold out hope for non-lumpy yogurt. My plan is to use Strauss as a base :)Thanks, Mom. I'm glad it just took some pickles to get the Fleisher family/family friends on board with eating/sf

http://www.blogger.com/profile/03869537445953580880 seantimberlake

Would you be a dear and post this on Punk Domestics! They look fabulous!